For a while some people billed the South Grand area as the next
Loop or the next Central West End. Its potential continues to show
itself as more and more unique shops and restaurants continue to
appear in the storefronts. But the ever changing face of South
Grand is not a mere duplication of other neighborhoods–it has a
flavor of its own.

The South Grand district is located about two miles south of
SLU’s campus, just past Tower Grove Park. The area is bordered by
Arsenal Street to the north and Utah Street to the south.

Asian restaurants dominate the scene. The King and I
(3157 S. Grand, 771-1777) serves up reasonably priced, delicious
Thai food. Attire should be semi-formal or casual. Lemon
Grass (3216 S. Grand, 664-6702), Pho Grand (3191 S.
Grand, 664-7435) and Mekong (3131 S. Grand, 773-3100) both offer
high quality Vietnamese fair at a low price. St. Louis Wok offers
Asian food in a very classy setting.

If Asian food doesn’t tickle your palate, then check out
Mangia Italiano (3145 S. Grand, 664-8585) or Siete
Mares (3204 S. Grand, 776-7074). Mangia Italia has great
Italian food in a small, cozy setting. Live jazz is played every
Thursday night. Siete Mares cooks up Nicaraguan and Mexican food.
And if you prefer the standard American board of fare, then check
out the South City Diner (3141 S. Grand, 353-7522) with its
authentic diner atmosphere and Marilyn Monroe’s face plastered on
every wall.

One of the most romantic restaurants in the area is Once Upon
A Vine (3559 Arsenal, 776-2828). Over a candlelight dinner, you
can eat filet mignon or salmon while enjoying a $20 bottle of wine
(that’s the cheapest) or a fine selection of bottled beers. Outdoor
dining is available in the spring and fall. Reservations are
recommended.

There is also the standard Saint Louis Bread Company
(3114 S. Grand, 772-5300) for more traditional food and tasty
breads.

If you are looking to shop, the South Grand area has a lot of
collectible, art and music and decorative items perfect for
enhancing the ambiance of any apartment or dorm room.

Botanicals on the Park (3014 S. Grand, 772-7674) located
next door to Once Upon a Vine, has a combination of beautiful flora
and knick-knacks like candlesticks, statues and well-crafted,
ornate furniture.

For items of an offbeat nature, check out the other specialty
shops lining the area. Artifice (3030 S. Grand, 865-3030)
offers different styles of art as well. Faru (3111 S. Grand,
773-7733) offers a selection of international folk art and beads.
And if you’re looking for furniture for the room, check out Futon
Express (3117 S. Grand, 664-4011).

Cheap Trix (3211 S. Grand, 664-4011) has a wide
assortment of interesting novelty items for sale. The store also
pierces any body part that you want pierced.

Streetside Records (3100 S. Grand, 776-1133) on Grand and
Arsenal is the closest record store to SLU. Streetside has popular
compact discs and tapes for sale, as well as used CDs. For dance
music check out On the Grid (3207 S. Grand, 664-7437) for
all the bumping beats.

Jay Asian International Foods (3172 S. Grand, 772-2552)
is a highlight of South Grand. Do not let the grimy look of the
exterior frighten you. The selection of foods and sweets from a
variety of foreign countries is unparalleled.

Interesting bars in the area include, CBGB (3163 S.
Grand, 773-9743) and Black Thorn Pub (3735 Wyoming,
776-0534), a neighborhood bar located a block away from Grand.

And as with every social district in St. Louis, South Grand also
has a couple of coffee shops for those who like to sit and talk
over a cup of java.

SoHo Cybercafe has computers for people to work on while
they sip on their coffee. Or you can visit MoKaBe’s, which has a
large outdoor patio that overlooks Tower Grove Park. South Grand
coffee Company

Most importantly, all of your copying and printing needs can be
fulfilled at the Kinko’s (3112 S. Grand, 776-2290) located
just a few doors down from the Streetside Records.

There are also numerous thrift stores in the South Grand
district. There is great selection at these stores, but you pay for
the quality of these vintage wares: TFA (3203 S. Grand
865-1552), RE: Generation and The Vintage
Haberdashery resell clothing and shoes and the such.

Planet Proud Books and Gifts (3194 S. Grand, 772-4538)
has offerings for the gay and lesbian community.

Need a haircut and are afraid of the barber? Try one of the
salons located in the South Grand district, including
David’s (2233 S. Grand, 771-9001) and Salon St. Louis
(3012 S. Grand, 771-8820)